brazos valley council of governments comprehensive ... · the brazos valley council of...

Brazos Valley Council of Governments 1

Brazos Valley Council of Governments

3991 East 29th Street, P.O. Drawer 4128 (979) 595-2800, (979) 595-2810 fax

www.bvcog.org

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGY

2006

Brazos Valley Council of Governments

3991 E. 29th Street, P.O. Drawer 4128 Bryan, Texas 77802

(979) 595-2800 phone (979) 595-2810 fax

www.bvcog.org

Brazos County

Burleson County

Grimes County

Leon County

Madison County

Robertson County

Washington County

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2006

BRAZOS VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Honorable Randy Sims Chairman

The Honorable Byron Ryder 1st Vice Chair

The Honorable James Dixon 2nd Vice Chair

The Honorable Mike Sutherland Secretary

Dr. Robert G. Wright Immediate Past Chair

The Honorable Carey Cauley, Jr. Member

Mr. Anderson Jones Member

The Honorable Ron Silvia Member

The Honorable Jason Bienski Member

The Honorable Tommy Thompson Member

The Honorable Bernard Rychlik Member

Mr. Clarence Wayne Grays Member

Mr. Ira E. “Bud” Haynie Member

The Honorable Theresa Brewer Member

The Honorable Pam Finke Member

The Honorable Mildred Edwards Member

The Honorable Scott Singletary Member

Mr. Frank Zaragoza Member

The Honorable Travis Oden Member

Col. James W. Wallace, USA Ret. Member

Mr. Jimmie McCullough Member

The Honorable Cecil N. Neely Member

The Honorable Pat Wakefield Member

Ms. Sandra Guice Member

The Honorable Milton Tate, Jr. Member

The Honorable Fred Elliot Member

The Honorable Dorothy Morgan Member

The Honorable Jim Davis Member

The Honorable Steve Miller Member

The Honorable Ramona Aguirre Member

The Honorable Joy Fuchs Member

Mr. Bobbie Bradley Member

Mr. Don Strickland Member

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF


Tony Topping Weldon Peters Jennifer Opon [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

1. TABLE OF CONTENTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF 2

1. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

2. INTRODUCTION 5

Administrative Organization 5

Brazos Valley Council of Governments Programs 6


3. REGIONAL OVERVIEW 9 Regional Council Membership Map 9

Members of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments 10

Member Governments 10

Unincorporated Communities in the BVCOG Region 11 Map of the Brazos Valley Region 13

4. STATE OF THE REGION 14

Historical Population 14

Regional Gender & Age Framework 14

Racial & Ethnic Makeup 16

Educational Attainment 17

Household Income Levels 18

Regional Workforce 19

Projected Population 21

Conclusion 21



County Economic & Demographic Profiles 22

Brazos County 22

Burleson County 23

Grimes County 24

Leon County 25

Madison County 26

Robertson County 27

Washington County 28

5. REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 31

The Role of the Regional Economic Development Forum in the CEDS Process 31

6. VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 33

Vision 33

Long Term Goals and Objectives 33

On-Going Goals and Objectives 35

7. ACTION PLAN 37



8. EVALUATION 46





2. INTRODUCTION

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) is a multi-purpose

voluntary organization of, by and for local governments. Originally designated

as the federally recognized Brazos Valley Economic Development District in

1966, the council officially reorganized as the Brazos Valley Development

Council in 1967 as the result of state legislation. The legislation created 24

statewide planning regions each comprised of a voluntary association of local

governments. The regions’ boundaries were based upon a number of

characteristics including geographic features, economic market areas, labor

markets, commuting patterns, and even media coverage areas.

These regional planning organizations, defined by the Texas Legislature as

“councils of governments,” are charged with addressing regional issues and

opportunities and are reviewed biennially by the Governor of Texas. In 1997,

the council’s Board of Directors voted to change the organization’s name to the

Brazos Valley Council of Governments in order to more appropriately

emphasize the cooperative spirit of the local governments and to reflect the

legislative terminology.

Administrative Organization

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments’ membership is composed of 7

counties and 26 incorporated cities. A Board of Directors and an Executive

Committee, which represents the member governments, minority-ethnic groups,

and citizens, govern the Council. The Board Officers and Executive Committee

are elected from the Board of Directors by the board annually. The Board of

Directors is the designated governing body of BVCOG. Its membership is

constituted from geographic areas as follows:



COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIAL MINORITY TOTAL

Brazos 3 2 5

Burleson 3 2 5

Grimes 2 2 4

Leon 4 1 5

Madison 3 1 4

Robertson 3 2 5

Washington 4 1 5

TOTAL 22 11 33

The membership of the Board of Directors is flexible; meaning elected officials,

minority, and other representation may be rotated at the discretion of the Board

of Directors with the approval of the governing body of the participating

member county (counties) involved. However, there should be no less than 22

local elected city or county officials and 8 minority representatives on the

Board.

Brazos Valley Council of Governments Programs

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments offers a variety of programs and

services designed to meet the specific needs of the seven-county BVCOG region

and beyond, that consists of Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison,

Robertson, and Washington Counties as well as twenty-six incorporated cities

and many unincorporated communities. The organization provides, in

consultation with and through the cooperation of the local elected officials,

housing, health, workforce, and senior services programs throughout the Brazos

Valley.

• Regional 9-1-1 Plans,

• Community & Economic Development Programs,

• Criminal Justice & Homeland Security Planning and Grants,

• Solid Waste Planning & Grants, and

• Serves as the HIV/AIDS Services Administrative Agency.



The Brazos Valley Council of Governments combines the advantages of a

designated Economic Development District with that of a regional council of

governments. The purpose of the BVCOG is to strengthen both the individual

and collective power of the local governments and to help recognize regional

opportunities, resolve regional problems, eliminate unnecessary duplication,

and promote intergovernmental cooperation and coordination. The BVCOG

assists local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for

mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. In addition,

the BVCOG encourages recognition and development of the agricultural,

business, and industrial sectors and the preservation of the historical and

cultural values of the Brazos Valley Region.

The goal of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments is to create and enhance

partnerships between local governments, private businesses, and service

organizations in an effort to collaboratively plan for and maintain the highest

quality of life in the Brazos Valley region.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally initiated

planning process designed to provide a mechanism for guiding and

coordinating the efforts of local individuals and organizations concerned with

economic development. Funded by the Economic Development Administration,

the 2006 CEDS emphasizes recent BVCOG region economic and community

development activities, as well as labor force changes.

The development of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

document is required by the Economic Development Administration Planning

grant. The purpose of the CEDS is to serve as a guide in the continuation of

successful economic development projects and the facilitation of new projects

based on analysis of the region’s economic situation. Listed below are the

functions of the CEDS:

• Present background and historical information about economic

development throughout the region;



• Evaluate the economic conditions of the region in order to provide

appropriate economic development strategies;

• Define strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats concerning

economic development;

• Identify the goals and visions for the region while setting the course for

future development actions;

• Create an action agenda to provide a guide for achieving goals and

objectives.

• Determine and develop strategies for the implementation of these goals;

and

• Establish evaluation standards to measure the success of the strategies.

The CEDS will require a comprehensive review when the goals and objectives are

met and new ones are identified. Public participation facilitates the most

beneficial decision making process concerning the region’s future.



3. REGIONAL OVERVIEW

The Brazos Valley Region is centrally located within the State of Texas. The

BVCOG is situated in an ideal position to improve the regional economy through

utilizing existing resources as well as working with other organizations. Map

3.1 displays the seven-county region served by the BVCOG in relation to the

other regions in the state of Texas.

Map 3.1 Regional Council Membership Map

Source: Texas Association of Regional Councils



MEMBERS OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

The BVCOG includes the following member governments, cities, and special

districts:

MEMBER GOVERNMENTS

COUNTIES

Brazos County

Burleson County

Grimes County

Leon County

Madison County

Robertson County

Washington County

CITIES

Anderson Jewett

Bedias Kurten

Bremond Leona

Brenham Madisonville

Bryan Marquez

Buffalo Midway

Burton Navasota

Caldwell Normangee

Calvert Oakwood

Centerville Snook

College Station Somerville

Franklin Todd Mission

Hearne Wixon Valley



UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES IN THE BVCOG REGION

BRAZOS COUNTY

Allenfarm Cawthon Edge Harvey Community

Law Millican Moore Mooring

Peach Creek Community Reliance Rogers Plantation

Community Sims

Smetana Steep Hollow Wellborn

BURLESON COUNTY

Chances Store Chriesman Clay Cooks Point

Deanville Fosters Store Frenstat Hix

Lyons Rita San Antonio

Prairie Tunis

Wilcox

GRIMES COUNTY

Carlos Courtney Cross Iola

Piedmont Plantersville Richards Roans Prairie

Shiro Singleton Stoneham



LEON COUNTY

Concord Corinth Flo Flynn

Guys Store Hilltop Lakes Hopewell Malvern

Nineveh Pleasant Springs Redland Robbins

MADISON COUNTY

Antioch Cottonwood Cross Roads Elwood

North Zulch

ROBERTSON COUNTY

Benchley Black Jack Easterly Hammond

Mumford New Baden Ridge Seale

Wheelock

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Berlin Carmine Chappell Hill Earlywine

Gay Hill Graball Greenvine Independence

Jerry’s Quarter Latium Long Point Muellersville

Phillipsburg Quarry Sandy Hill Washington

Wesley




MAP OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY REGION

Leon County

Centerville

Robertson County Madison County

Franklin Madisonville

Brazos County

Bryan

Grimes County Burleson County

AndersonCaldwell

Washington County

Brenham


4. STATE OF THE REGION

Historical Population

According to the Texas State Demographer, The Brazos Valley population has

experienced a steady growth over the past 30 years. The population has

increased over the past from 176,375 in 1980 to 267,085 in 2000. Projections

indicate that by the year 2010 the Brazos Valley population will continue to

increase and is estimated to reach over 300,000. Table 3.1 provides population

growth trends.

Table 3.1: Historical Population

County 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010

Brazos 57,978 93,588 121,862 152,415 165,921 178,714 Burleson 9,999 12,313 13,625 16,470 17,941 19,501 Grimes 11,855 13,580 18,828 23,552 25,682 27,966 Leon 8,738 9,594 12,665 15,335 16,510 17,737 Madison 7,693 10,649 10,931 12,940 13,521 14,075 Robertson 14,389 14,653 15,511 16,000 16,786 17,664 Washington 18,842 21,998 26,154 30,373 31,517 32,864

Region 129,494 176,373 219,576 267,085 287,878 308,521 Texas 11,196,730 14,229,191 16,986,510 20,851,820 23,002,555 25,409,530

Texas State Demographer. www.txsdc.etsa.edu

Regional Gender & Age Framework

In a breakdown of the regional population by gender, males are the majority,

outnumbering the females by roughly 4,000 (Figure 3.2). Over the past 10 years

this ratio has not changed. The difference between the number of males and

females has remained the same even as the population continues to increase.

The population structure of the region is generally young considering that the

age distribution for the year 2000 shows the greatest amount of the population

consisting of 20 to 34 year olds (Figure 3.3). This large number is possibly a

result of Texas A&M University and Blinn College both being located within the

the region. As of 2000, the median age for the region is 29, which has increased

from the 1990 median age of 27.



Figure 3.2: Regional Population by Gender

Figure 3.3: Regional Population by Age

12%

17%

30%

23%

7%

9% 2%

Age 0-9 (33,232)Age 10-19 (45,768)Age 20-34 (77,561)Age 35-54 (62,490)Age 55-64 (19,209)Age 65-84 (24,806)Age 85+ (4,019)

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000

90000

1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000

Brazos Burleson Grimes Leon Madison Robertson Washington

Gender

Po

pu

lati

on

Male

Female



Racial & Ethnic Makeup

The racial makeup of the region is primarily composed of the White Alone race

category. The use of the term “alone” by the U.S. Census refers to an individual

that categorizes themselves as only one race or ethnicity. The next largest

population in the region is the Black or African American Alone category (Figure

3.4). The 2000 Census classifies Hispanic or Latino as an ethnicity rather than a

race and therefore ethnic diversity of Hispanic individuals is characterized

differently than race. Figure 3.5 shows that the area includes a majority of non-

Hispanic individuals (Figure 3.5).

Figure 3.3: Regional Racial Breakdown

Figure 3.4: Regional Hispanic or Latino Population



Educational Attainment

Of the 146,803 persons 25 years of age or older within the region, 76 percent

have completed high school or a higher level of education (Figure 3.6). The

remainder of the population has either not graduated from high school or

completed GED certification. There has been a slight increase in the number of

students completing high school over the past ten years. As of the year 2000,

28 percent of the regional population had completed a higher-level degree. The

high number of college graduates in the region could be attributed with the high

availability of college course opportunities. The two higher-level learning

facilities located within the region offer more opportunities for the residents to

continue their education. These numbers concerning the regional educational

attainment closely match the statistics for the State of Texas.

Figure 3.6: 2000 Regional Educational Attainment

14%

16%

26%

17%

4%

13%

10% Less than 9th grade

9th-12th grade, nodiploma

High school graduate(includes equivalency)

Some college, no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Graduate or Professionaldegree



Household Income Levels

The household income levels have increased over the past ten years. Overall,

the less than $15,000 category has remained the majority during this time

frame. This majority could be the result of the high number of college students

holding part-time jobs in the region. The region has experienced an increase in

income between the years 1989 and 1999 (Figure 3.7). Regional households are

making more money annually. The increase in the household income levels

could be attributed to increased employment opportunities and the higher

educational levels of the region.

Figure 3.7: 1989 & 1999 Household Income Levels

31338

698

1429815264

7023

44742661

10762136

7302

1060711514

1429111990

15161

26021

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

Le

ss t

han

$15,0

00

$15,0

00-

$24,9

99

$25,0

00-

$34,9

99

$35,0

00-

$49,9

99

$50,0

00-

$74,9

99

$75,0

00-

$99,9

99

$100,0

00-

$149,9

99

$150,0

00 o

rm

ore

Income

Po

pu

lati

on

1989

1999



Regional Workforce

As of 2005, the region supports a labor force of roughly 143,000 workers. Of

this total labor force around over 135,000 are currently employed. The current

unemployment rate is slightly over 4 percent and approximately 4 percent of

the labor force is unemployed (Figure 3.8). Over the past 10 years the number

of potential employees has increased by 25,000 individuals. However, the ratio

between the unemployed and employed has relatively remained the same

(Figure 3.9).

Brazos County has the largest available workforce, while Madison County has

the smallest. The number of existing workers in these counties could be

affected by the availability of employment opportunities.

Figure 3.8: 2005 Regional Employment

1.2 64.1 100 100 18955 31.0.9 63.9 99.4 99.6 19014 31.87.4 58.4 93.7 91.1 15728 27.93.5 5.4 5.7 8.5 3286 95.8

2.7 46.60.4 0.3 0.6 0.4 -59 -15.48.8 35.9 6200 16.3

0 2000 1990 2000 Number Percent00 100 2147 20.

6.2 58.3 100 100 1472 26.1 58.3 99.9 100 1479 25.2.1 55.6 92.8 95.4 1563 28.6

4 2.7 7.1 4.6 -84 -20-2.6 -36.

0.1 0 0.1 0 -7 -1003.8 41.7 675 14.7

96%

4%Employed

Unemployed



Figure 3.9: 2005 Regional Employment by County

Figure 3.10: 2005 Regional Employment by County (excluding Brazos County)



Projected Population

The Texas State Data Center projects that the population of the region will

experience a slight growth over the next 30 years. Brazos County is the most

largely populated county in the region and will remain the largest as the area

grows. The population projections in Table 3.10 were created by the Texas State

Data Center. The projections are based on the 0.5 scenario, which means that

the average of the high migration and no migration rates were utilized to

project the population. The Texas State Data Center recommends the use of

this scenario because it is the most appropriate for the counties at this time. It

appears that region will remain on the same steady growth path that it

previously experienced.

County 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

Brazos 152,415 160,550 169,599 178,526 188,052

Burleson 16,470 17,393 18,477 19,601 20,663

Grimes 23,552 25,005 26,635 28,375 30,073

Leon 15,335 15,937 16,633 17,349 17,920

Madison 12,940 13,406 13,905 14,434 14,873

Robertson 16,000 16,941 17,969 18,988 19,906

Washington 30,373 32,442 34,671 37,034 39,293

Region 267,085 281,674 297,889 314,307 330,780

Texas 20,851,820 22,489,182 24,178,507 25,936,845 27,738,378

Conclusion

The demographic summaries above help bring to light some important

characteristics of the region. Overall, the region has a fairly young population

and will continue to grow slowly, but steadily. The two biggest opportunities

for improvement are evident in both household income and workforce

categories. The region has the available labor force, but needs more

employment opportunities.

Data Sources: 2000 U.S. Census (http://www.census.gov) & Texas State Data Center

(http://txsdc.etsa.edu)



County Economic & Demographic Profiles

Brazos County

Area Information

County Seat Bryan County Population Ranking 23 Land Area 585.8 sq. miles Average Rainfall 39.1 inches Total Population (2005) 161,380 Population Change (1990-2000) 25.07% Per Capita Income (2003) $21,741 Median Age 23.6

Labor Force & Income

Industry Employees Establishments Avg. Weekly Wage

Natural Resources and Mining 1,302 96 $856

Construction 4,550 389 $513

Manufacturing 5,443 134 $671

Trade, Transportation, and Util. 11,397 757 $451

Information 1,135 67 $731

Financial Activities 3,155 390 $682

Professional and Business Services 5,285 549 $660

Educational and Health Services 32,203 420 $573

Leisure and Hospitality 8,569 358 $216

Other Services 1,910 348 $406

Public Administration 3,886 64 $623

For 2005, the Texas Workforce Commission reported 84,035 people employed and 3,454 firms operating in Brazos County. The unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in 2005, down from a rate of 4.2 percent in 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, the average weekly wage was $540, a six percent increase from the second quarter of 2003 ($510).

Source: Texas Workforce Commission, 1Q 2005

Education

According to the Census, 73,264 people in Brazos County were enrolled in school in 2000. Countywide, 81.3 percent has a high school diploma or higher and 37 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Percent of population three years and over enrolled in school in 2000 by level of education:

Nursery School/Kindergarten 7.1% Elementary School 19.9% High School 9.8% College/Graduate School 64.2%

Fiscal Information

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts reported total state expenditures of $960,175,670 for Brazos County in 2003. The State spent $156,119,019 on public assistance and $19,983,043 on highway construction and maintenance in Brazos County. During the second quarter of 2003, gross sales for all industries totaled $819,259,153. Comparing the second quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2003, gross sales increased 0.7 percent (from $813,381,120). The county had 37 bank offices as of June 2003, as reported by the FDIC, with total deposits of $1,550,177 million.

Top Employers

Bryan ISD Texas A&M University College Station ISD Texas Agricultural Experiment Station City of College Station Texas Engineering Experiment Station Sanderson Farms Wal-Mart

Com

pan

y

St. Joseph Hospital Com

pan

y

http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/countyprofiles/Brazos.pdf



Burleson County

Area Information

County Seat Caldwell County Population Ranking 130 Land Area 665.6 sq. miles Average Rainfall 39.1 inches Total Population (2005) 17,529 Population Change (1990-2000) 20.88% Per Capita Income (2003) $22,116 Median Age 37.9



Natural Resources and Mining 260 40 $705

Construction 415 35 $594

Manufacturing 227 21 $562

Trade, Transportation and Util. 777 93 $495

Information 17 5 $715

Financial Activities 143 27 $442

Professional Business Services 126 25 $723

Education and Health Services 852 21 $468

Leisure and Hospitality 329 33 $185

Other Services 66 25 $268

Public Administration 218 21 $411

For 2005, the Texas Workforce Commission reported 8,269 people employed and 325 firms operating in Burleson County. The unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in 2005, declining from a rate of 5.2 percent in December 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, the average weekly wage was $488, a one percent decrease from the second quarter of 2003 ($494).


Education

According to the Census, 3,971 people in Burleson County were enrolled in school in 2000. Countywide, 71.1 percent has a high school diploma or higher and 13.2 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.



Fiscal Information

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts reported total state expenditures of $50,682,193 for Burleson County in 2003. The State spent $13,074,065 on public assistance and $2,732,962 on highway construction and maintenance in Burleson County. During the second quarter of 2003, gross sales for all industries totaled $60,168,271. Comparing the second quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2003, gross sales decreased 1.2 percent (from $60,878,900). The county had 8 bank offices as of June 2003, as reported by the FDIC, with total deposits of $277,431 million.

Top Employers

Allied Precision City of Caldwell Brookshire Brothers Burleson County Caldwell ISD Burleson St. Joseph Health Center Citizens State Bank Halliburton

Com

pan

y

City of Somerville Com

pan

y

Slovacek Sausage http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/countyprofiles/Burleson.pdf



Grimes County

Area Information

County Seat Anderson County Population Ranking 100 Land Area 793.8 sq. miles Average Rainfall 40.4 inches Total Population (2005) 24,754 Population Change (1990-2000) 25.09% Per Capita Income (2003) $18,712 Median Age 38.1





Manufacturing 1,340 20 $1,033




Professional and Business Services 205 42 $463

Education and Health Services 1,147 36 $529




For 2005, the Texas Workforce Commission reported 9,685 people employed and 415 firms operating in Grimes County. The unemployment rate was 6.0 percent in 2005, declining from a rate of 6.9 percent in 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, the average weekly wage was $657, a thirteen percent increase from the second quarter of 2003 ($578).


Education

According to the Census, 5,846 people in Grimes County were enrolled in school in 2000. Countywide, 67.3 percent has a high school diploma or higher and 10.3 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.



Fiscal Information

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts reported total state expenditures of $74,523,816 for Grimes County in 2003. The State spent $20,525,977 on public assistance and $5,425,257 on highway construction and maintenance in Grimes County. During the second quarter of 2003, gross sales for all industries totaled $197,997,301. Comparing the second quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2003, gross sales increased 6.2 percent (from $186,404,632). The county had 7 bank offices as of June 2003, as reported by the FDIC, with total deposits of $239,968 million.

Top Employers

Anderson-Shiro ISD City of Navasota Auxi Healthcare Services Navasota ISD Grant Prideco Navasota Nursing & Rehabilitation Grimes County Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Com

pan

y

Interstate Southwest Com

pan

y

Texas Municipal Power Agency http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/countyprofiles/Grimes.pdf



Leon County

Area Information

County Seat Centerville County Population Ranking 132 Land Area 1,072.1 sq. miles Average Rainfall 40.5 inches Total Population (2005) 16,352 Population Change (1990-2000) 21.08% Per Capita Income (2003) $22,850 Median Age 42.1




Construction 1,226 42 $638





Education & Health Services 708 24 $467




For 2005, the Texas Workforce Commission reported 7,191 people employed and 346 firms operating in Leon County. The unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in 2005, declining from a rate of 6.1 percent in 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, the average weekly wage was $675, a five percent increase from the second quarter of 2003 ($642).


Education

According to the Census, 3,454 people in Leon County were enrolled in school in 2000. Countywide, 73.8 percent has a high school diploma or higher and 12.1 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.



Fiscal Information

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts reported total state expenditures of $62,480,864 for Leon County in 2003. The State spent $13,205,119 on public assistance and $12,403,533 on highway construction and maintenance in Leon County. During the second quarter of 2003, gross sales for all industries totaled $121,762,833. Comparing the second quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2003, gross sales increased 11.1 percent (from $109,586,230). The county had 8 bank offices as of June 2003, as reported by the FDIC, with total deposits of $195,579 million.

Top Employers

AL Helmcamp, Inc. HB Zachry Administaff Companies Leon ISD Brookshire Brothers Northwestern Resources Company Buffalo ISD Nucor Corporation

Com

pan

y

Centerville ISD Com

pan

y

Schueck Steel http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/countyprofiles/Leon.pdf



Madison County

Area Information

County Seat Madisonville County Population Ranking 149 Land Area 469.7 sq. miles Average Rainfall 41.6 inches Total Population (2005) 13,381 Population Change (1990-2000) 18.38% Per Capita Income (2003) $21,322 Median Age 33.4





Trade, Transportation, and Util. 722 63 $562



Professional & Business Services 172 29 $461

Education and Health Services 849 22 $516




Unclassified 11 3 $179

For 2005, the Texas Workforce Commission reported 4,670 people employed and 238 firms operating in Madison County. The unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in 2005 declining from a rate of 6.1 percent in 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, the average weekly wage was $484, a thirty six percent increase from the second quarter of 2003 ($355).


Education

According to the Census, 2,887 people in Madison County were enrolled in school in 2000. Countywide, 72.8 percent has a high school diploma or higher and 11.5 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.



Fiscal Information

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts reported total state expenditures of $62,349,533 for Madison County in 2003. The State spent $11,439,972 on public assistance and $17,981,487 on highway construction and maintenance in Madison County. During the second quarter of 2003, gross sales for all industries totaled $76,080,905. Comparing the second quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2003, gross sales increased 16.4 percent (from $65,369,802). The county had 4 bank offices as of June 2003, as reported by the FDIC, with total deposits of $186,328 million.

Top Employers

Brookshire Brothers Monterey Mushrooms Henson Motor Riverwood Health Care & Rehab Madison County St. Joseph Hospital Madisonville Care Center Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Com

pan

y

Madisonville ISD Com

pan

y

Wal-Mart http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/countyprofiles/Madison.pdf



Robertson County

Area Information

County Seat Franklin County Population Ranking 134 Land Area 854.6 sq. miles Average Rainfall 37.5 inches Total Population (2005) 16,162 Population Change (1990-2000) 3.15% Per Capita Income (2003) $22,778 Median Age 37.6






Trade, Transportation and Util. 587 85 $579

Information 10 3 $1,155







For 2005, the Texas Workforce Commission reported 7,244 people employed and 287 firms operating in Robertson County. The unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in 2005, declining from a rate of 5.5 percent in 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, the average weekly wage was $518, a five percent increase from the second quarter of 2003 ($493).


Education

According to the Census, 4,049 people in Robertson County were enrolled in school in 2000. Countywide, 68.1 percent has a high school diploma or higher and 12.7 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.



Fiscal Information

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts reported total state expenditures of $54,941,143 for Robertson County in 2003. The State spent $20,811,394 on public assistance and $3,781,000 on highway construction and maintenance in Robertson County. During the second quarter of 2003, gross sales for all industries totaled $60,614,777. Comparing the second quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2003, gross sales increased 29.6 percent (from $46,758,255). The county had 5 bank offices as of June 2003, as reported by the FDIC, with total deposits of $203,714 million.

Top Employers

Big Creek Construction GATX Financial Corporation Bremond ISD City of Heane Crane Plumbing Hearne ISD Franklin ISD Texas Association of Counties

Com

pan

y

Franklin Nursing Home Com

pan

y

Walnut Creek Mining Company http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/countyprofiles/Robertson.pdf



Washington County

Area Information

County Seat Brenham County Population Ranking 90 Land Area 609.3 sq. miles Average Rainfall 41.4 inches Total Population (2005) 31,834 Population Change (1990-2000) 16.13% Per Capita Income (2003) $28,747 Median Age 37.4





Manufacturing 2,605 51 $648

Trade, Transportation and Util. 3,007 197 $451





Leisure and Hospitality 1,102 85 $193



For 2005, the Texas Workforce Commission reported 15,563 people employed and 818 firms operating in Washington County. The unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in 2005, declining from a rate of 4.8 percent in 2004. For the first quarter of 2005, the average weekly wage was $501, a two percent increase from the second quarter of 2003 ($492).


Education

According to the Census, 8,413 people in Washington County were enrolled in school in 2000. Countywide, 72.1 percent has a high school diploma or higher and 19 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.



Fiscal Information

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts reported total state expenditures of $113,973,986 for Washington County in 2003. The State spent $25,467,157 on public assistance and $19,735,647 on highway construction and maintenance in Washington County. During the second quarter of 2003, gross sales for all industries totaled $232,343,275. Comparing the second quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2003, gross sales increased 5.6 percent (from $220,000,265). The county had 9 bank offices as of June 2003, as reported by the FDIC, with total deposits of $617,606 million.

Top Employers

Blinn College Mount Vernon Mills Blue Bell Creameries Texas Department of MHMR City of Brenham Texas Home Health of America Brenham ISD Trinity Community Medical Center

Com

pan

y

Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Com

pan

y

Wal-Mart http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/countyprofiles/Robertson.pdf



5. REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The economic development practitioners in the Brazos Valley Region have been

meeting together on a quarterly basis since 2001. The quarterly meetings,

known as the Regional Economic Development Forum, are held throughout the

seven-county region. The various entities involved take turns hosting the

forums. The group includes representatives from such entities as chambers of

commerce, economic development foundations and city economic development

departments. A complete list of members is found below:

Forum Member Organization

Brenda Van de Walle Burleson County Chamber of Commerce

Dennis Goehring Bryan Business Council

Linda LaSut MPO

William Kent Burnette Hearne Economic Development Corp

Sal Zaccagnino Burleson County Industrial Foundation

Jon Hubach City of College Station

Bob Malaise Research Valley Partnership

Ken Jones Buffalo Economic Development

Corporation

Thomas Quarles Madison County Economic Development

Mary Cunningham Grimes County Chamber of Commerce

Laurie Sapp Entergy

Gary Sera Texas Engineering Extension Service

Page Michel Brenham Economic Development

Foundation

Tom Ginter City of Madisonville

Dena Gaskin Bryan-College Station Chamber of

Commerce

Ben Fornter Brazos Valley Affordable Housing

Corporation

Michael Parks Brazos Valley Council of Governments

Tom Wilkinson Brazos Valley Council of Governments



Weldon Peters Brazos Valley Council of Governments

Ronnie Gibson Brazos Valley Council of Governments-

Area Agency on Aging

Trish Buck Workforce Solutions

Even before the start of the Regional Economic Development Forum, many

economic development practitioners in the region recognized the fact that

working together, as a region, would best spur economic development in the

future. However, there was no mechanism in place to encourage the

practitioners to communicate with one another on a regular basis. The Forum

provides the economic development practitioners an opportunity to build

relationships with each other and discuss what is going on in each part of the

Brazos Valley Region.

In a survey of the Regional Economic Development Forum members from

January 2002 – January 2004, all of the respondents reported that a greater

number of new businesses moved into their communities compared to the

number of businesses that closed. However, several communities, such as

Burleson County, lost a major corporation. A manufacturing plant that was one

of the top three employers in Burleson County moved its operation to Mexico

because of lower costs. The loss of business to countries such as Mexico and

China is a concern for area economic development practitioners.

Higher unemployment rates in the rural communities are also a regional

concern. Although Brazos County maintains a below average unemployment

rate in relation to the rest of the state, other counties in the region, specifically

Grimes and Leon Counties, often deal with high unemployment rates. An

August 2003 Workforce Report compiled by The Pathfinders in Dallas for the

Research Valley Partnership showed there were 35,300 available workers in the

seven-county region. This number includes available workers that are

underemployed, unemployed or currently not working, but contemplating re-

entry to the workforce. The availability of workers in the region is a

tremendous strength in the recruitment of new businesses to communities, but

also echoes the fact that many citizens in the region are seeking employment.



Despite the downturn in the economy following the events of September 11,

2001, the Brazos Valley Region maintains economic viability. More than ever

before the region is working together and economic development entities are

forming partnerships. Economic development entities funded by a specific city

or county are now working for the betterment of the entire region. The

Research Valley Partnership, formerly the Bryan-College Station Economic

Development Corporation, is a prime example.

Although the Research Valley Partnership (RVP) is funded by Brazos County and

the cities of Bryan and College Station, the organization touts itself as a

“regional economic development organization.” The RVP promotes the entire

seven-county region as an ideal location for national and international

companies.

One of the functions of the Regional Economic Development Forum is to

encourage economic development practitioners from around the region to

network with each other to bring new businesses to the area. For example, if

one community is not a good fit for a certain company, rather than passing on

that company all together, the economic development practitioner directs the

company to another community in the region. Frequently, a Forum member can

be heard saying, “What is good for one community is good for the region.”

The Role of the Regional Economic Development Forum in

the CEDS Process

The Regional Economic Development Forum serves as the Comprehensive

Economic Development Strategy Committee. Since the Forum was established

when the time came to produce the 2004 and 2006 CEDS, the development of

the plan became a part of the discussion at the Forum’s quarterly meetings. The

Forum is provided the latest edition of the Texas Labor Market Review on a

quarterly basis, which keeps the members informed on workforce information.

The BVCOG Community & Economic Development staff also provides members



of the Forum with pertinent Census and Workforce data throughout the year.

Additionally, many members attend the annual Economic Outlook Conference.



6. VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Vision Emphasize the strengths of each community in the Brazos Valley region by promoting region-wide economic activities that encourage sustainable, prosperous, and equitable growth and development patterns. Long-Term Goals and Objectives

1. Goal - Assist member governments, industrial and economic development foundations, etc. with applications for projects, which would result in the creation and retention of jobs.

Objectives:

a. Improve the database of available funding opportunities for these types of projects, allowing staff the ability for quick reference.

b. Increase the number of council, industrial and economic development foundation meetings, etc. attended by BVCOG Community & Economic Development staff.

c. Offer and attend continued education courses in application writing and other economic development topics.

d. Maintain a list of resources, such as federal, state and local agencies, experienced grant writers, etc. for entities in the region.

e. Work to expand working relationships between economic development entities in the region and academic and professional institutions. These institutions could also serve as a valuable resource for communities.

f. Remain knowledgeable on current and pending legislative activities that affect the economies of our region.

2. Goal - Provide technical assistance to member governments, chambers

of commerce, industrial foundations, etc. in trying to obtain projects that would create new jobs.

Objectives:

a. Continue to maintain and improve upon the economic and demographic database, which is accessible to the region.

b. Expand upon the amount of articles collected relating to economic development and other relevant topics in the region.

c. Remain knowledgeable on current and pending legislative activities that affect the economies of our region. This objective is achieved by receiving updates from the Gallery Watch Legislative Information and Management Service.



3. Goal – Create and maintain community profiles and be able to provide

information when needed to attract new industry to the area.

Objectives:

a. Use information maintained in the economic and demographic database to generate community profiles and update them as needed.

b. Make the community profiles accessible from the BVCOG web site.

c. Foster a working relationship between BVCOG, economic development entities in the region and site selection companies.

4. Goal – Develop and maintain an updated version of the CEDS.

Objectives:

a. Provide hard copies of the 2006 CEDS to economic development practitioners in the region.

b. Post the 2006 CEDS on the BVCOG web site and include links to sources such as the State Data Center and the U.S. Census Bureau.

c. Regularly update the CEDS to contain the most accurate information possible.

5. Goal – Increase availability of affordable housing in the region.

Objectives:

a. Increase awareness through the Annual Fair Housing Luncheon, held each spring.

b. Meetings with Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation (BVAHC) staff to discuss housing needs in the Brazos Valley.

c. Promote awareness by publishing articles relating to public housing needs and resources in the bi-monthly newsletter.



On-Going Goals and Objectives

1. Goal – Continue meeting with regional economic development practitioners on a quarterly basis through the Regional Economic Development Forum.

Objectives:

a. Promote the Regional Economic Development Forum throughout the region to include those that may not be actively participating.

b. Encourage the use of the Regional Economic Development Forum list serve to promote on-going communication among group members.

c. Encourage creation and further growth of economic development entity websites, specifically those in the rural communities.

d. Facilitate the discussion of current labor statistics and other economic topics in the region to promote effective economic development.

2. Goal – Maintain information concerning infrastructure elements such

as drainage, streets, water, wastewater and solid waste disposal issues.

Objectives:

a. Develop and maintain up-to-date information on grants and loans available for these infrastructure elements.

b. Develop and maintain geo-database that examines the spatial analysis of these infrastructure elements for local governments and entities to access. This objective will be created and maintained using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

3. Goal – Assist local governments and economic development entities

with transportation planning.

Objectives:

a. Continue to hold monthly Regional Transportation Committee meetings and expand membership of the committee.

b. Facilitate activities that promote Coordinated Regional Transportation. These activities will bring a more effective and efficient system of transit to the Brazos Valley.

c. Maintain a collection of transportation-related articles appearing in newspapers, magazines and journals.

4. Goal – Assist local efforts in providing financial resources to enhance

the regional economy.

Objectives:



a. Continue administering and promoting the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program to the six eligible counties in the region.

b. Increase RLF Program marketing efforts.

c. Continue and build upon working relationships with financial institutions, SBA, USDA, and the Brazos Valley Small Business Development Center to assure access to available funding.

d. Continue to update grants database and other grant information to help acquire funds for businesses and local governments within the region.

5. Goal – Continue with and increase involvement in the Brazos Valley

Health Partnership.

Objectives:

a. Serve as a resource for the BVHP participants and involved communities.

b. Help to develop partnerships between the health resource sites and the communities in which they are located.

6. Goal – Work to promote tourism in the Brazos Valley Region.

Objectives:

a. Continue involvement in working with local chambers of commerce and convention and visitor’s bureaus in the region.

b. Continue involvement in the Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council.



7. ACTION PLAN The action plan is designed as a guide for the Brazos Valley Council of

Governments Community & Economic Development staff. The purpose of the

plan is to map out how each goal and objective will be accomplished.

Long Term Goals and Objectives

1. Goal - Assist member governments, industrial and economic development foundations, etc. with applications for projects, which would result in the creation and retention of jobs.

Objectives Actions

Periodically search the web sites of governmental agencies for funding opportunities.

a) Improve the database of available funding opportunities for these types of projects, allowing staff the ability for quicker reference.

Search through The Foundations, a guide to U.S. Foundations, which provides grants for various activities.

Travel to the counties to meet with the directors of these organizations on a regular basis.

b.) Increase the number of council, industrial and economic development foundation meetings, etc. attended by BVCOG Community & Economic Development staff.

Ask to be placed on the mailing/email lists of these organizations to keep abreast of upcoming meetings and activities.

Routinely attend areas workshops on economic development. c.) Offer and attend continued

education courses in application writing and other economic development topics.

Host workshops and seminars that relate to local planning activities and economic development.



Request resumes from grant writers to keep on file.

Gain familiarity of the specific functions and programs of federal, state and local agencies that work with economic development.

d.) Maintain a list of resources, such as federal, state and local agencies, experienced grant writers, etc. for entities in the region.

On a monthly basis, email a list of updated information on available resources to economic development practitioners in the region.

Encourage attendance to seminars, workshops, etc. provided by academic and professional institutions.

e.) Work to expand working relationships between economic development entities in the region and academic and professional institutions. These institutions could also serve as a valuable resource for communities.

Invite staff/faculty from academic and professional institutions to speak at the Regional Economic Development Forum.

f.) Remain knowledgeable on current and pending legislative activities that affect the economies of our region.

Receive daily Senate and House Reports regarding current legislative actions through the Gallery Watch Legislative Information and Management Service.

2. Goal - Provide technical assistance to member governments, chambers of commerce, industrial foundations, etc. in trying to obtain projects that would create new jobs.

Objectives Actions

Expand upon sources of information for the database. a.) Continue to maintain and improve

upon the economic and demographic database, which is accessible to the region.

Create graphs to accompany tables of information for quick reference.

Obtain copies of various journals and newspapers subscribed to by BVCOG staff.

b.) Expand upon the amount of articles collected that relate to economic development and other relevant topics in the region.

Read available journals and newspapers available online on a regular basis.



c.) Remain knowledgeable on current and pending legislative activities that affect the economies of our region.

Receive daily Senate and House Reports regarding current legislative actions through the Gallery Watch Legislative Information and Management Service.

3. Goal – Create and maintain community profiles and be able to provide information when needed to attract new industry to the area.

Objectives Actions

Work with communities to include community history and local information in the profiles.

a.) Use information maintained in the economic and demographic database to generate community profiles and update them as needed.

Once created, update community profiles on a regular basis as new information is received.

b.) Make the community profiles available from the BVCOG web site.

Work with the Information Technology Department to post community profiles on the BVCOG web site.

Invite site selectors to speak at Regional Economic Development Forums. c.) Foster a working relationship

between BVCOG, economic development entities in the region and site selection companies.

Encourage economic development practitioners to attend seminars, workshops, etc. put on by site selectors.


Objectives Actions

a.) Provide hard copies of the 2006 CEDS to economic development practitioners in the region.

Distribute copies of 2006 CEDS at the Regional Economic Development Forum and via mail.

b.) Post the 2006 CEDS on the BVCOG web site and include links to sources such as the State Data Center and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Work with the Information Technology Department to post community profiles and useful links on the BVCOG web site.

c.) Regularly update the CEDS to contain the most accurate information possible.

As new information arrives from the State Data Center, add it to the CEDS.




Objectives Actions

Invite area property owners and stakeholders to an educational luncheon. a.) Increase awareness through the

Annual Fair Housing Luncheon. Provide informational handout and presentation on recent fair housing activities.

Hold periodic meetings to discuss the relationship between affordable housing and economic development.

b.) Meet with Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation (BVAHC) staff to discuss housing needs in the Brazos Valley

Maintain database of information affecting the availability of affordable housing in the region.

Invite BVAHC staff to provide fair housing articles in the bi-monthly publication of “Developments” newsletter. c.) Promote awareness by publishing

articles relating to public housing needs and resources in the bi-monthly newsletter. Promote upcoming housing activities

in the “Upcoming Events” section of the newsletter.




1. Goal – Continue meeting with regional economic development practitioners on a quarterly basis through the Regional Economic Development Forum.

Objectives Actions

Send letters to all cities in the region without representation at the Regional Economic Development Forums and invite a representative to attend.

a.) Promote the Regional Economic Development Forum throughout the region to include those that may not be actively participating. Submit press releases to rural

newspapers regarding information discussed at the Forums.

b.) Encourage the use of the Regional Economic Development Forum list serve to promote on-going communication among group members.

Add list serve information to the list of Forum members to allow for quick reference.

c.) Encourage creation of economic development entity web sites, specifically those in the rural communities.

Include links to regional economic development entity web sites from the BVCOG website.

Provide regional economic and demographic stat sheet bi-annually at the Economic Development Forum.

d.) Facilitate the discussion of current labor statistics and other economic topics in the region to promote effective economic development. Invite directors from area economic

programs to discuss issues in an open forum.

2. Goal – Maintain information concerning infrastructure elements such as drainage, streets, water, wastewater and solid waste disposal issues.

Objectives Actions

Sign up for email updates from granting and lending organizations concerning what is available.

a.) Develop and maintain up-to-date information on grants and loans available for these infrastructure elements. Develop working relationships with the

staff of these organizations.



Provide mapping services for local jurisdictions to use for planning purposes.

b.) Develop and maintain a geo database that examines spatial analysis elements for local governments and entities to access. This database will be created and maintained using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Gather applicable data to facilitate the GIS process.

3. Goal – Assist local governments and economic development entities with transportation planning.

Objectives Actions

a.) Continue to hold monthly Regional Transportation Committee meetings and expand membership of the committee.

Contact potential representatives and discuss the Regional Transportation Committee and invite those people to attend.

Create an inventory of region wide transportation providers.

Assess current and future needs in transportation and service gaps.

b.) Facilitate activities that promote Coordinated Regional Public Transportation. These activities will bring a more effective and efficient system of transit to the Brazos Valley. Research best practices in coordinated

public transportation for possible implementation in the Brazos Valley.

Sign up for information on transportation articles via email when available.

Search for information in professional journals and check online sources for information on a regular basis.

c.) Maintain a collection of transportation-related articles appearing in newspapers, magazines and journals.

Ask committee members for copies of any articles of interest they may read.

4. Goal – Assist local efforts in providing financial resources to enhance the regional economy.

Objectives Actions

a.) Continue administering the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program to the six eligible counties in the region.

Visit loan recipients on an annual basis to observe how their businesses are doing and to build upon the relationship between loan recipient and staff.



Meet with bank administrators throughout the region to promote the RLF program.

Distribute RLF brochures throughout the region. b.) Increase RLF Program marketing

efforts.

Make plans to speak about the RLF program at chamber of commerce meetings, economic development foundation meetings, etc.

Attend seminars presented by these financial institutions.

c.) Continue and build upon working relationships with financial institutions, SBA, USDA and the Brazos Valley Small Business Development Center to assure access to available funding.

Keep abreast of current funding information in relation to these institutions.

Review weekly updates of electronic newsletter from Grants.gov d.) Continue to update grants database

and other grant information to help acquire funds for businesses and local governments within the region.

Distribute available grant information to appropriate entities throughout Brazos Valley Region

5. Goal – Continue with and increase involvement in the Brazos Valley Health Partnership (BVHP).

Objectives Actions

Communicate with the Community Health Development Program of the School of Rural Public Health on a regular basis to see what help BVCOG staff can provide.

a.) Serve as a resource for the BVHP participants and involved communities.

Attend BVHP meetings.

Speak to community groups about the BVHP and the success the group has had in the past. b.) Help to develop partnerships

between the health resource sites and the communities in which they are located.

Encourage community involvement from the beginning of the site development – to promote ownership in the project.


Objectives Actions



Continue to attend promotional events and ceremonies that promote the region. a.) Continue involvement in working

with local chambers of commerce and convention and visitor’s bureaus in the region.

Encourage representatives from heritage foundations and tourism offices in the region to attend meetings.

b.) Continue involvement in the Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council

Continue to attend Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council meetings.



Continue to attend Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council meetings.

b.) Continue involvement in the Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council.

Encourage representatives from heritage foundations and tourism offices in the region to attend meetings.

c.) Attend workshops, seminars, etc. concerning the promotion of heritage tourism.

Frequently visit the web sites of tourism groups to be informed of upcoming opportunities.

Sign up for updates in regard to funding opportunities and marketing strategies via email when available.

Visit web sites of funding entities on a regular basis to stay informed about available funding.

d.) Maintain up-to-date information on heritage tourism funding opportunities, marketing strategies and resources for the communities in the region. Read industry publications to learn

about upcoming opportunities and pass useful information on to regional partners.



8. EVALUATION As with any plan or strategy, one of the most important elements is the

evaluation process. As outlined in Section 6 of this report, our vision is to

emphasize the strengths of each community in the Brazos Valley region by

promoting region-wide economic activities that encourage sustainable,

prosperous, and equitable growth and development patterns. Just as the action

plan identifies how the staff will strive to implement the vision, the evaluation

process will keep staff informed and up-to-date in meeting the established goals

and objectives. Additionally, the evaluation will gauge our progress. In January

2007, staff will meet with the BVCOG Executive Director and Assistant Executive

Director to review the implementation of the regional goals and objectives.

Based on the results, changes to objectives will be made accordingly. Staff will

then work with the Regional Economic Development Forum to expand upon

existing goals and objectives and develop additional goals and objectives.

Long Term Goals and Objectives

1. Goal - Assist member governments, industrial and economic

development foundations, etc. with applications for projects, which

would result in the creation and retention of jobs.

Objectives:

a. Improve the database of available funding opportunities for these

types of projects, allowing staff the ability for quicker reference.

Performance Measures

To meet this objective staff will incorporate the following actions

into our routine by August 2006:

Continue to periodically search the web sites of governmental

agencies for funding opportunities.

Search through The Foundations, a guide to U.S. Foundations,

which provides grants for various activities.



b. Increase the number of council, industrial and economic

development foundation meetings, etc. attended by BVCOG

Community & Economic Development staff.


To meet this objective staff will continue with our current routine:

Travel to the counties to meet with the directors of these

organizations on a regular basis.

Review and update the mailing/email lists of organizations to

keep abreast of upcoming meetings and activities.

c. Offer and attend continued education courses in application

writing and other economic development topics.


To meet this objective staff will accomplish the following by January

2007:

Routinely attend area workshops on economic development.

Host workshops and seminars that relate to local planning

activities and economic development.

d. Maintain a list of resources, such as federal, state and local

agencies, experienced grant writers, etc. for entities in the region.


To meet this objective staff will accomplish the following by

September 2006:

Request resumes from grant writers to keep on file.

Gain familiarity of the specific functions and programs of

federal, state and local agencies that work with economic

development.

To meet this objective staff will continue the following by October

2006:

On a monthly basis, email a list of updated information on

available resources to economic development practitioners in

the region.



e. Work to expand working relationships between economic

development entities in the region and academic and professional

institutions. These institutions could also serve as a valuable

resource for communities.


To meet this objective staff will work with the Regional Economic

Development Forum to accomplish the following on an on-going

basis:

Encourage attendance to seminars, workshops, etc. provided by

academic and professional institutions.

Invite staff/faculty from academic and professional institutions

to speak at the Regional Economic Development Forum.

f. Remain knowledgeable on current and pending legislative activities

that affect the economies of our region.


To meet this objective staff will incorporate the following actions into

our daily routine starting July 2006:

Receive daily Senate and House Reports regarding current

legislative actions through the Gallery Watch Legislative

Information and Management Service.

2. Goal - Provide technical assistance to member governments, chambers

of commerce, industrial foundations, etc. in trying to obtain projects

that would create new jobs.

Objectives:

a. Continue to maintain and improve upon the economic and

demographic database, which is accessible to the region.


To meet this objective staff will continue the following actions on an

on-going basis:



Expand upon sources of information for the database.

Create graphs to accompany tables of information for quicker

reference.

b. Expand upon the amount of articles collected relating to economic

development and other relevant topics in the region.


To meet this objective staff will continue to incorporate the

following into our routine starting July 2006:

Borrow copies of various journals and newspapers subscribed

to by BVCOG staff.

Read available journals and newspapers available online on a

regular basis.

c. Remain knowledgeable on current and pending legislative activities

that affect the economies of our region.


To meet this objective staff will incorporate the following actions into

our daily routine starting July 2006:

Receive daily Senate and House Reports regarding current

legislative actions through the Gallery Watch Legislative

Information and Management Service.

3. Goal – Create and maintain community profiles and be able to provide

information when needed to attract new industry to the area.

Objectives:

a. Use information maintained in the economic and demographic

database to generate community profiles and update them as

needed.


To meet this objective staff will continue to develop the following

starting in July 2007:



Work with communities to include community history and

local information in the profiles.

Once created, update community profiles on a regular basis

as new information is received.

b. Make the community profiles available from the BVCOG web site.

Performance Measure

Staff will take the following action to meet this objective upon the

completion of Objective a:

Work with the Information Technology Department to post

community profiles on the BVCOG web site.

c. Foster a working relationship between BVCOG, economic

development entities in the region and site selection companies.


To meet this objective staff will take the following action starting in

October 2006:

Invite site selectors to speak at Regional Economic

Development Forums.

Encourage economic development practitioners to attend

seminars, workshops, etc. put on by site selectors.


Objectives:

a. Provide hard copies of the 2006 CEDS to economic development

practitioners in the region.


To meet Objectives A and B staff will accomplish the following by

July 2006:

Distribute copies of 2006 CEDS at the Regional Economic

Development Forum and via mail.



b. Post the 2006 CEDS on the BVCOG web site and include links to

sources such as the State Data Center and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Work with the Information Technology Department to post

community profiles and useful links on the BVCOG web site.

c. Regularly update the CEDS to contain the most accurate

information possible.

Performance Measure

To meet this on-going objective, staff will take the following action

starting July 2006:

As new information arrives from the State Data Center, add it

to the CEDS.


Objectives:

a. Increase awareness through the Annual Fair Housing Luncheon.

Performance Measure

To meet this on-going objective, staff will continue to incorporate

the following actions starting April 2006:

Invite area property owners and stakeholders to an

educational luncheon.

Provide informational handout and presentation on recent

fair housing activities.

b. Meet with Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation (BVAHC)

staff to discuss housing needs in the Brazos Valley.

Performance Measure

To meet this on-going objective, staff will begin these actions on a

quarterly basis starting April 2006:

Hold periodic meetings to discuss the relationship between

affordable housing and economic development.

Maintain a database of information affecting the availability



of affordable housing in the region.

c. Promote awareness by publishing articles relating to public

housing needs and resources in the bi-monthly newsletter.

Performance Measure

To meet this on-going objective, staff will continue the following

actions starting April 2006:

Invite BVAHC staff to provide fair housing articles in the bi-

monthly publication of “Developments” newsletter.

Promote upcoming housing activities in the “Upcoming

Events” section of the newsletter.


1. Goal – Continue meeting with regional economic development

practitioners on a quarterly basis through the Regional Economic

Development Forum.

Objectives:

a. Promote the Regional Economic Development Forum throughout

the region to include those that may not be actively participating.


To meet this objective staff will take the following action in July

2006 with the quarterly Regional Economic Development Forum:

Send letters to all cities in the region without representation

at the Regional Economic Development Forums and invite a

representative to attend.

Submit press releases to rural newspapers regarding

information discussed at the Forums.

b. Encourage the use of the Regional Economic Development Forum

list serve to promote on-going communication among group

members.



Performance Measure

Staff will take the following action to continue meeting this

objective:

Add list serve information to the list of Forum members to

allow for quick reference.

c. Encourage creation of economic development entity websites,

specifically those in the rural communities.

Performance Measure

Staff will accomplish objective C by December 2006 for existing web

sites and will take the following action to build upon Objective c for

those entities currently without web sites:

Include links to regional economic development entity web

sites from the BVCOG website.

d. Facilitate the discussion of current labor statistics and other

economic topics in the region to promote effective economic

development.

Performance Measure

Staff will meet the following objective by continuing the following

activities on a bi-annual basis starting July 2006:

Provide regional economic and demographic statistic sheet

bi-annually at the Economic Development Forum.

Invite directors from area economic programs to discuss

issues in an open forum.

2. Goal – Maintain information concerning infrastructure elements such as

drainage, streets, water, wastewater and solid waste disposal issues.

Objectives:

a. Develop and maintain up-to-date information on grants and loans

available for these infrastructure elements.




To meet this objective staff will take the following action starting

August 2006:

Sign up for email updates from granting and lending

organizations concerning what is available.

Develop working relationships with the staff of these

organizations.

b. Develop and maintain a geo database that examines spatial

analysis elements for local governments and entities to access.

This database will be created and maintained using Geographic

Information Systems (GIS).


Staff will add the following actions to our routine by July 2006:

Provide mapping services for local jurisdictions to use for

planning purposes.

Gather applicable data to facilitate the GIS process.

3. Goal – Assist local governments and economic development entities

with transportation planning.

Objectives:

a. Continue to hold monthly Regional Transportation Committee

meetings and expand membership of the committee.

Performance Measure

To meet this objective staff will accomplish the following tasks on

an on-going basis:

Contact potential representatives and discuss the Regional

Transportation Committee and invite those people to attend.

b. Facilitate activities that promote Coordinated Regional Public

Transportation. These activities will bring a more effective and

efficient system of transit to the Brazos Valley.




To accomplish this objective staff will incorporate the following

actions into our routine starting May 2006:

Create an inventory of region wide transportation providers.

Assess current and future needs in transportation and service

gaps.

Research best practices in coordinate public transportation in

the Brazos Valley.

c. Maintain a collection of transportation-related articles appearing in

newspapers, magazines and journals.


Staff will take the following actions to meet this objective continuing

through August 2007:

Sign up for information on transportation articles via email

when available.

Search for information in professional journals and check

online sources for information on a regular basis.

Ask committee members for copies of any articles of interest

they may read.

4. Goal – Assist local efforts in providing financial resources to enhance

the regional economy.

Objectives:

a. Continue administering the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program to

the six eligible counties in the region.

Performance Measure

To continue meeting this objective and be of better service to loan

recipients, staff will incorporate the following into our routine:

Visit loan recipients on an annual basis to observe how their

businesses are doing and to build upon the relationship

between loan recipient and staff.



b. Increase RLF Program marketing efforts.


To meet this objective staff will take the following action starting

March 2006:

Meet with bank administrators throughout the region to

promote the RLF program.

To meet this objective staff will continue with the following

activities:

Distribute RLF brochures throughout the region.

Make plans to speak about the RLF program at chamber of

commerce meetings, economic development foundation

meetings, etc.

c. Continue and build upon working relationships with financial

institutions, SBA, USDA and the Brazos Valley Small Business

Development Center to assure access to available funding.



activities:

Attend seminars presented by these financial institutions.

Keep abreast of current funding information in relation to

these institutions.

5. Goal – Continue with and increase involvement in the Brazos Valley

Health Partnership (BVHP).

Objectives:

a. Serve as a resource for the BVHP participants and involved

communities.



activities:



Communicate with the Community Health Development

Program of the School of Rural Public Health on a regular

basis to see what help BVCOG staff can provide.

Attend BVHP meetings.

b. Help to develop partnerships between the health resource sites

and the communities in which they are located.


To meet this objective staff will incorporate the following actions

into our routine starting October 2006:

Speak to community groups about the BVHP and the success

the group has had in the past.

Encourage community involvement from the beginning of the

site development – to promote ownership in the project.


Objectives:

a. Continue involvement in working with local chambers of

commerce and convention and visitor’s bureaus in the region.



activities:

Continue to attend Texas Brazos Trail meetings.

Encourage representatives from heritage foundations and

tourism offices in the region to attend meetings.

b. Continue involvement in the Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel

Council.



activities:



Continue to attend Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council

meetings.

Encourage representatives from heritage foundations and

tourism offices in the region to attend meetings.


brazos valley council of governments comprehensive ... · the brazos valley council of...

Documents